Justice Coghlan questioned why such an application did not receive legal aid funding saying it was part of the sentencing process, but the court heard a lawyer may be prepared to act pro bono for Sokaluk.

The application will be heard on November 8.

Sokaluk, a former volunteer firefighter, was sentenced to 17 years and nine months jail, with a minimum of 14 years, after being found guilty of arson causing death.

An appeal by prosecutors to increase the sentence was rejected earlier this year.